FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION : KNOWN? OR IGNORED?

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION : KNOWN? OR IGNORED?

I am sure many people understand the meaning right
when they read the title “Female Genital Mutilation” (FGM) which is also known
as female genital cutting or more commonly circumcision. Female genitals are
partially or wholly removed during this procedure and it is illegal in many
countries all over the world.

I was rather surprised to learn more about this
tradition; it is more of a ritual and not at all related to any medical
cures/treatment. Why would a female be forced into do so when it is us, females,
who are provided with a natural gift of childbirth? It is a clear violation of
human rights and still it is prevalent in around 27 countries especially in
Africa, Asia and Middle East.

As per WHO, this procedure is carried out on females
between the ages of infancy to 15 years. But, it is mostly common for women to
experience mutilation between 15-49. They face severe bleeding which might even
lead to on-spot death. As per CNN, just 2 days ago, an Egyptian teenager lost
her life during this illegal activity of mutilation. She was just 17, I believe
she had dreamt of a successful career, a man/woman who would love her
unconditionally, and her children, who would grow up to be just like her.
Although FGM has been counted illegal in Egypt since 2008, people strongly
believe and follow the ritual.

The worst part is that there is no such religious or
health reasons to conduct this act.

What are the reasons behind it?

Well, it is the elderly women themselves who force
upon their upcoming generations. Anthropologist Rose Oldfield Hayes has proved
this in 1975 stating that even if educated men from Sudan would discourage
and refute the procedure, the women would themselves conduct it without
anyone’s prior approval.

It is an
obvious fact that this ritual is majorly performed where there is immense lack
in reach of information. Mothers feel that it is their obligation for their
children to be cut and that if not done, they would be not be counted as a part
of the society. This fear, which exists within the community, has hampered the
lives of young girls.

Then
there comes “Religion”. People are so indulged with their religious beliefs
that it overcomes any other aspect of reality. Citizens of countries like Mali,
Egypt; Guinea is overshadowed with the false belief that it bestows upon the
religious sentiments. FMG is neither mentioned nor included in any of the
religious texts.

Ever thought what happens to the girls after they go
through mutilation?

They go through serious physical and mental trauma,
which would haunt them for as long as it can. For some, this mutilation is
performed yearly on a partial basis. This is just not done! Women already face
more than required discriminations, hatred and tortures. Among all, this adds
up to the top of the list.

I believe and live upon with the positivity of “Change
starts with one”. Any person’s viewpoint and belief can be changed if it is for
the benefit of their own. Efforts need to be put upon to make it possible for
the citizens to be informed and persuaded as to how harmful this tradition is. Neither
it provides any benefit to the females nor to the family or society as a whole.

Why are people still practicing this when it has been
declared as an illegal act against humanity? It is because, they don’t know
about it and second, they aren’t afraid to do so. Government needs to authorize
strict punishments, which would scare them to death to even think about it.

A short animated story published by Women's Support project along with the Scottish Government which projects the life of Sara, a victim of FGM.

I hope we all will be able to contribute to eradicate
this major issue prevalent in various parts of the globe. As change starts with
one, we can at least spread the message and give it a try to make a difference.

This video projects FGM in India and also provides the experiences of women who went through FGM. (Published by Hindustan Times, Reporter: Harinder Baweja)